Menu
13/06/2019
Proposal To Add Folic Acid To Flour Consultation Underway
A formal consultation on a proposal to add folic acid to flour will begin today, 13 June, as part of a UK-wide initiative.
North Belfast DUP MP Nigel Dodds welcomed the start of the consultation, which will run for 12 weeks, closing on Monday 09 September 2019, and is open to all via Gov.uk.
Mr Dodds, who is Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Folic Acid Fortification, has been a long-term support of the proposal.
Mr Dodds son, Andrew, was born with spina bifida and died in 1998, just before his ninth birthday.
The DUP MP said: "It is widely recognised that taking the B vitamin folic acid during pregnancy can help prevent certain brain and spine birth defects, known as neural tube defects.
"The most effective way of increasing intake across the population is through the fortification of flour with folic acid, which has been shown to have no side effects.
"Since folic acid fortification was introduced in the United State of America in 1998, it is estimated that around 1,300 babies are born each year without an NTD who might otherwise have been affected.
"As Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Folic Acid Fortification at Westminster, I warmly welcome that formal statutory consultation is now getting underway."
North Belfast DUP MP Nigel Dodds welcomed the start of the consultation, which will run for 12 weeks, closing on Monday 09 September 2019, and is open to all via Gov.uk.
Mr Dodds, who is Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Folic Acid Fortification, has been a long-term support of the proposal.
Mr Dodds son, Andrew, was born with spina bifida and died in 1998, just before his ninth birthday.
The DUP MP said: "It is widely recognised that taking the B vitamin folic acid during pregnancy can help prevent certain brain and spine birth defects, known as neural tube defects.
"The most effective way of increasing intake across the population is through the fortification of flour with folic acid, which has been shown to have no side effects.
"Since folic acid fortification was introduced in the United State of America in 1998, it is estimated that around 1,300 babies are born each year without an NTD who might otherwise have been affected.
"As Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Folic Acid Fortification at Westminster, I warmly welcome that formal statutory consultation is now getting underway."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 March 2024
New Black Mountain Pathway Project Proposed
Belfast City Council has called for feedback on proposal to create a new walking trail at the foot of Black Mountain. The Black Mountain Pathway project aims to connect Ballygomartin Road with the Upper Whiterock Road.
New Black Mountain Pathway Project Proposed
Belfast City Council has called for feedback on proposal to create a new walking trail at the foot of Black Mountain. The Black Mountain Pathway project aims to connect Ballygomartin Road with the Upper Whiterock Road.
08 March 2024
DAERA Minister Calls For More Action On Household Recycling
Recycling must be an integral part of people's everyday lives regardless of where they are and what they are doing, if we are to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill whilst recycling more, said DAERA Minister Andrew Muir.
DAERA Minister Calls For More Action On Household Recycling
Recycling must be an integral part of people's everyday lives regardless of where they are and what they are doing, if we are to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill whilst recycling more, said DAERA Minister Andrew Muir.
21 September 2021
Folic Acid To Be Added To Flour
Folic acid to be added to flour to help prevent life-threatening spinal conditions in babies, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced. The Northern Ireland Executive in line with the rest of the UK, has agreed that folic acid should be added to non-wholemeal wheat flour.
Folic Acid To Be Added To Flour
Folic acid to be added to flour to help prevent life-threatening spinal conditions in babies, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced. The Northern Ireland Executive in line with the rest of the UK, has agreed that folic acid should be added to non-wholemeal wheat flour.
27 July 2015
NI Women Urged To Take Folic Acid Daily
Women who are sexually active in Northern Ireland and who could become pregnant are being reminded of the need to take folic acid daily. A new Safefood campaign has been developed to encourage women to take folic acid supplements to help prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine including spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
NI Women Urged To Take Folic Acid Daily
Women who are sexually active in Northern Ireland and who could become pregnant are being reminded of the need to take folic acid daily. A new Safefood campaign has been developed to encourage women to take folic acid supplements to help prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine including spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
10 April 2024
Work To Begin On New North Belfast Housing Development
The Department for Communities that preparatory works has now begun for the physical redevelopment of the Adam Street site on Duncairn Gardens in North Belfast. As a result of extensive public consultation, social housing will be provided through a residential-led regeneration scheme.
Work To Begin On New North Belfast Housing Development
The Department for Communities that preparatory works has now begun for the physical redevelopment of the Adam Street site on Duncairn Gardens in North Belfast. As a result of extensive public consultation, social housing will be provided through a residential-led regeneration scheme.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:There will be a mix of sunny spells and a few, mainly light, showers during the morning, mostly in the west. Cloudier with scattered showers into the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Scattered showers and clear spells continue through this evening, becoming dry with clear skies for a time overnight. Clouding over by morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
